All from last 24 hours FARM POLICYDefra cuts threaten nature recovery, Reeves warnedFarmers and green groups have raised alarm over the potential for deep cuts to Defra’s budget in this week’s Spending Review – with fears that key farm support schemes could… BUSINESSMole Valley Farmers makes loss after ‘challenging’ yearAgricultural supply business Mole Valley Farmers made an operating loss of £4.2m for the year ending 30 September 2024. It was described by the firm as “one of the most… FARM POLICYNFU Cymru launches Senedd election manifestoNFU Cymru has outlined its key asks of political parties in Wales ahead of the Senedd election in May next year. Launching its Welsh farming: Growing forward manifesto in Cardiff… FARM POLICYNon-stun animal slaughter ban petition prompts MP clashMPs have clashed over a public petition calling for a ban on the non-stun slaughter of animals, reigniting longstanding discussions around animal welfare and religious freedom. The Westminster Hall debate… LIVESTOCK DISEASESBluetongue fears sees Royal Welsh ban English and Scots stockThe Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has banned all cattle, sheep and goat entries from England and Scotland for this year’s Royal Welsh Show (21-24 July) amid bluetongue fears. Making an… NEWSMorrisons fuels farmer anger over lucky-dip beef steakRetail giant Morrisons has become the latest retailer to face the brunt of farmer anger over its ‘Limited Edish Beef Ribeye Steak’. On its website, the country of origin for… BLACKGRASSTrial leads to shift in blackgrass strategy on Oxon farmRotational ploughing and maximising autumn flushes are part of the new strategy at Tusmore estate near Bicester, as its farm manager looks to get blackgrass back under control. The grassweed… DAIRYHow to use herd data to create effective change on farmWe have access to more herd data than ever, but how can we ensure we are using these data effectively to improve the areas that are important to us? The… NEWSUK-wide protests held against large-scale solar farmsCampaigners across England and Wales held a nationwide day of action to challenge Labour’s plans to green light large-scale solar farms on productive farmland. Co-ordinated walks were held on Sunday… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Tasty bread made with low protein wheatFarming always has its challenges, and this spring has certainly been one of those. Nitrogen was left lying on the ground for weeks on end and plants are suffering from… COMMUNITYGrants to help charities deliver 19,000t of surplus foodMore than 19,000t of surplus food will be redistributed to food banks, shelters and charities across England, thanks to £13.6m in Defra grants. Twelve food redistribution organisations have secured funding… OPINIONOpinion: The case for not taking IHT-avoiding actionolbn Sometimes one observes bravery in plain sight. In this case, it was a senior partner of a firm of land agents suggesting to his audience of farmers that, shock-horror,… MUCKSPREADERSSelf-propelled Oxbo spreader mixes muck in with soilCultivating to incorporate yard manure, compost and solids digestate as it is spread is a new capability for the biggest self-propelled muck machine from Oxbo, the Dutch manufacturer previously called…
